#12 Systems Failure and Emergency Procedures

Aim: To determine that you can complete all emergency checks and follow recommended procedures in the event of a system malfunction or other emergency situation.

The Flight Test Guide requires that the Examiner present three (3) emergency situations to the candidate.

This exercise may be tested on the ground with the aircraft shut down or during flight. It is the sole responsibility of the Examiner to determine the appropriateness of this testing in relation to safety.

The Flight Test Guide provides the following examples of emergency scenarios:

Assessment will be based on your ability to promptly and correctly identify the emergency situation and apply correct procedures in accordance with the POH.

Discussion

All Phase I items described on GURW’s Pilot’s Checklist must be memorized; you should then refer to Phase II items on the checklist and complete them accordingly. You must use the checklist.

You are pretty well guaranteed to have an engine fire simulation during the flight test—most likely to be associated with the need to simulate an engine shutdown during flight. The fire procedures must be memorized and should be calmly and coolly executed when required.1 After an engine has been shut down owing to a fire, remember that the drill is not over until the remaining engine is developing normal power as required, and temperature has been checked and managed if required.

There is a high probability that you will have a simulated electrical fire or failure during flight. After an electrical fire, remember not to turn on the master switch unless electrical equipment is absolutely required.2 Remaining electrical power stored in the battery must be managed effectively to insure the completion of critical tasks such as gear and flap extension.

Be sure you are familiar with procedures specific to the aircraft—e.g., emergency gear extension, propeller overspeed, management of the fuel system (crossfeed procedures).

1 Remember that sealing the firewall is critical to fire control management—this will ensure the fire does not migrate from the engine compartment to the wing where, of course, the fuel is stored.

2 Note that the emergency gear extension does not require electrical power. In other retractable gear aircraft, such as Beechcraft models, you will have to crank down the gear—this requires considerable avanced planning. In the Twin Comanche, the electrical motor must be manually disconnected and then the gear rotated down into position—again, advance planning is required.